Maternity Photo Session

I'm so fortunate to work with an extremely talented photographer, but I'm even more blessed to call her one of my great friends! We had such a wonderful time taking these maternity shots, and she knows just how to pull the right emotion out of my little guy, Jack. He loved every second of taking photos, and couldn't wait to see the pictures after she was done taking them.

I had a session with Becca when I was 34 weeks pregnant with Jack in 2008, and this time at 36 weeks pregnant with baby #2. Each time was memorable, and I'm so thankful that I'll have these memories of my pregnancies. This session was especially special for me as some of the photos of Jack and I, I will cherish forever. I have such a wonderful and special bond with him, and these years we've had just the two of us will be special to me for the rest of my life. One day I hope he looks back at these photos to see the special love a mother has for her child.

A big, THANK YOU, to Becca Pento for these amazing photos!!!

38 Weeks Pregnant

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 38 Weeks

Size of baby: 19 1/2 inches long and weighs around 6.8 pounds

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 22lbs

Maternity Clothes: Yes-all maternity pants, and some maternity shirts. I'm really enjoying wearing tights as much as possible.

Gender: Boy

Movement: Yes, he is one active little fella. Lots of movement all over, pain in my ribs and pressure down low.

Sleep: I had a strange week of sleep. I woke up Sunday night with intense contractions that went away after about an hour. I slept fantastic on Monday and Tuesday, and tossed and turned all night last night. It will be interesting to see what the rest of the week holds.

Symptoms: I had a doctors appointment on Tuesday and I am 3cm dilated and about 50% effaced, so we are making progress. She said, I may or may not see you here next week for your appointment, so I've been on edge since then wondering if today is "the day". :)

What I miss: If I'm being honest, I miss my normal belly. This pregnancy has been much easier than the last, but I miss my body just being "my body" and not a human life vessel. I'll be excited to have my body back.

Cravings: Chocolate. We've gone through several bags of TWIX bars in the last few weeks. Besides that, nothing much really, my eating has slowed down quite a bit because of the intense indigestion in the evenings.

Best Moment this week: Spending time with my little Jack Jack. I cried last night putting him to bed because I realized soon everything is going to be different, and it won't just be he and I anymore. We have such a wonderful bond that I was so saddened to see that change. It made me realize how much I'll cherish these moments and years I had with just him. At the same time it was a great moment this week hearing that I was 3cm dilated. It excited me to think that we'll be meeting and welcoming another son so soon!!!

What I am looking forward to: I'm looking forward to meeting this sweet baby boy and bringing him home to enjoy our new little family of FOUR!!